Today is the biggest day for the newly formed government so far as the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan will deliver his long awaited budget for 2017.
Although not much information has been revealed in recent weeks, it has become clear that spending is being prioritised over tax cuts this year. With little information being given so far what can we expect later today.
It is almost certain that pensioners will receive a €5 increase on their weekly allowance whilst the much hyped childcare scheme is being given the go ahead after years of waiting, but it seems there will be movement elsewhere as the disability allowance will also receive an increase later today.
Meanwhile First time buyers will also be given a tax income grant that will act as a 20% deposit on newly built homes. It is also understood that the prescription charge cap for medical card holders will be reduced from €25 to €20, whilst the 85% Christmas welfare bonus will reportedly return this year.
The Government will also add a thousand additional nurses, 800 extra gardaí next year, whilst the health budget will reportedly exceed €14bn next year.
There will also be funding allocated for homecare, along with a further €35m allocation for mental health initiatives. There will also be 10,000 medical cards issued to children on the domiciliary care allowance.
However the price of cigarettes will increase by 30c making a pack of 20 cost €11.
Mr Noonan is also expected to outline further details later today after negotiations continued until late last night.